Playing with 14-men Naitasiri beat Northland 32–15 in their Skipper Provincial Cup clash at Gatward Park in Korovou, Tailevu North, yesterday.

Naitasiri coach Iiaitia Tuisese Junior said, the win was good for them as they are prepare for their INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge against Nadi at Prince Charles Park, next Saturday.

Tuisese said there were too many mistakes and they should work on them before the challenge.

“Against Nadi we cannot make mistakes and we’ve to minimise it,” he warned.

For the Northland team, coach Isake Katonibau said he played a risky game by naming a very young side for the match.

“I must get the blame for the loss,” he said.

“There will be a lot of changes that I’ll be introducing in the rest of our Skipper matches.”

Katonibau said he had faith in his young team and they would be a threat to the senior teams.

He congratulated Naitasiri for their good performance.

What happened: Naitasiri were reduced to 14-men midway in the first half after first five-eighth Etonia Rokotuisawa was red carded for a high tackle.

Naitasiri scored three converted tries to Viliame Matai, Sireli Kaloucava and Maciu Vakacabeqoli.

Halftime: Northland 0-21 Naitasiri

Kini Douglas kicked over two penalties to extend the lead 27-0.

The young Northland side fought back and scored a try in the 68th minute to  Sakiusa Baseisei.

Northland’s Manu Laqai got a red card in the 70th minute for an infringement.

Naitasiri’s fourth try came from Douglas before Northland got theirs from Josefa Rokovatu..

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